Textbooks

The class will examine representational works of American literature with an emphasis on the major genres, especially poetry.

Students will further develop the compositional skills and strategies learned in English 1113 and 1123 while composing thesis-based essays discussing these representational texts.

Students' grades will be based on their respective performances on the following:

Four essays: 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%

Daily quizzes: 15%

Final exam: 15%

Grading Standards

90-100=A

80-89=B

70-79=C

60-69=D

0-59=F

Final Exam

12/12/2012 10:30-12:30

Submission Format Policy

MLA form is required, as is a hard copy of each essay. Each writing assignment will be preceded by a lengthy prompt. (Drafts will be accepted, but not required.)

Furthermore, by enrolling in this class, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” to all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course. The “limited right” shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality and authenticity, and for educational purposes.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late essays will be penalized one letter grade for each day that the paper is late.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.
Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.
We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.
We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.
Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

I will take roll, and the student who is excessively absent may be dropped from the course.

I do not deduct points for absences, but daily quizzes cannot be made up; hence they are an incentive to attend class regularly.

Other Policies

Classroom civility has drastically declined in the last few years.

Please resist the urge to monitor your cell phone while in class, and let’s keep the drink and food to a minimum.

Also, while I encourage lively classroom discussion, please make every effort to be respectful with your comments, both to your classmates and your instructor.

Finally, if you have a complaint about the class, you need to bring that complaint to the privacy of my office.

Plagiarism:

Unfortunately, plagiarism is rampant in college classes, usually due to "copying and pasting" from the internet.

Plagiarism is one of the most serious examples of academic dishonesty; consequently, it will not be tolerated.

The following is the penalty for plagiarised essay: The student will earn a "zero" for that particular assignment.

If a student commits plagiarism twice in the same semester, he or she will earn an F for that semester's grade.

Writing Proficiency Requirement

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.